There is a misconception that marijuana can affect the immune system, which are why there have been doubts about the plant’s effectiveness in address HIV/AIDS symptoms. But more research is proving the opposite.

The Colorado Medical Board took the largest disciplinary action against medical marijuana doctors in state history Tuesday when, in one fell swoop, it suspended the medical licenses of four doctors for allegedly allowing more than 1,500 patients to grow an excessive amount of personal cannabis plants.

Dr. Gentry Dunlop of Aurora, Dr. Robert Maiocco of Denver, Dr. Deborah Parr of Durango, and Dr. William Stone of Colorado Springs were collectively suspended from practicing medicine. The suspensions were handed down Tuesday at the same time the doctors first learned they were even under investigation.

Smoking, albeit harmful, is a habit that is rich in tradition. People have been smoking as far back as 5000 BC, and while its earliest uses were during shamanistic rituals, tobacco use and cultivation spread quickly when Europeans arrived America during the 16th century. Tobacco use was even perceived as elegant up until research finally revealed that smoking tobacco causes many kinds of cancers.

In a world where good news seems harder and harder to come by, a new study has found something heartening for the future of our country: in states with legal medical marijuana, Medicare prescriptions have dropped for many potentially dangerous mainstream drugs.

More than 50 physicians, a former general surgeon, and faculty from some of the country’s most prominent medical schools have joined forces to launch the first national organization of medical professionals who are in favor of cannabis legalization. While there are dozens of national associations of doctors, there hasn’t been a single one created for them to speak out about the legalization of marijuana… until today.

Last month NFL player Eugene Monroe made headlines when he donated $80,000 to a group in Colorado that is studying the effects of cannabis on those who sustain multiple concussions. Monroe has also been very vocal about his disagreement with the powers that be at the NFL over the league’s policy on marijuana.